In the aftermath of the brutal assault on Female Referee Abdul Rahman Sakina Nasara by Tiyumba Ladies head coach Iddrisu Suheiru Napari, also known as Coach Kubli, during a Women’s Division 1B League match at Game Centre 3 in Tamale, the Northern Regional Football Association, in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association and the Ghana Police, is actively pursuing the arrest and prosecution of Coach Iddrisu S. Napari.
The match, which took place on Saturday, June 17, 2023, was abruptly halted in the 38th minute due to a pitch invasion and the subsequent attack on the referee by the coach of Tiyumbu Ladies. Coach Napari, who has gone into hiding following his disgraceful and unjustified actions, is being sought by the authorities.
The Association would like to inform all stakeholders and well-wishers that the referee is now in stable condition at the Tamale Technical University Hospital after undergoing scans and receiving medical support at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
The Northern Regional Crime Officer has visited the victim at the hospital and has been conducting investigations, speaking to various individuals involved in the incident.
Coach Iddrisu S. Napari is currently evading capture, but determined efforts are underway to apprehend him. The Police, Ghana Football Association, and Northern Regional Football Association appeal to the public for support and information regarding his whereabouts.
The Police have assured their unwavering commitment to apprehending the coach and will not rest until he is in custody. Meanwhile, Coach Napari has vacated his home since the incident occurred on Saturday.
The Northern Regional Chairman, who visited the hospital, expressed gratitude to the RFA Secretary, Referees Manager Mr. Alhassan.A. Alhassan, and the Northern Region Referees Association (RAG) for promptly ensuring that the injured referee received medical care.
Regarding the sporting aspect, the NRFA will levy appropriate football charges against Coach Napari and his club, allowing the Disciplinary Committee to adjudicate the case.
The Association assures all stakeholders and the public that violence has no place in football. Both the criminal justice system and the sporting judicial system will take firm action against those who engage in violence within football.
The President of the GFA, the General Secretary, and the Executive Council members have all been in contact with the Northern Regional Chairman and Secretary to ensure that the referee receives the best medical care since the incident occurred yesterday.
